On January 9, 2011, a routine domestic flight, Iran Air Flight 277, tragically ended in disaster. The aircraft, a classic Boeing 727-200Adv, operating a scheduled service from Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport (THR) to Urmia Airport (OMH) in northwestern Iran, crashed following an aborted landing attempt amidst severe weather conditions. This incident highlighted the critical challenges faced by aviation operations in adverse environments, particularly in regions prone to challenging winter weather.

Out of the 105 individuals on board, comprising both passengers and crew, 78 tragically lost their lives, making it a significant loss of life for Iran Air and a solemn reminder of the inherent risks in aviation.

The comprehensive official investigation, conducted by Iran's Civil Aviation Organization (CAO.IRI), meticulously analyzed the sequence of events that led to the accident. Their findings pinpointed two primary and interconnected factors contributing to the catastrophe: the presence of severe icing conditions and critical errors in engine management by the flight crew. Aircraft icing is a significant hazard where ice accumulates on the airframe and engine components, disrupting airflow and compromising performance. In this specific incident, the investigation concluded that these combined factors led to a catastrophic double engine flame-out – a complete loss of power from two of the aircraft's three engines. This severe loss of thrust at a critical low altitude, coupled with a lack of sufficient power for recovery, resulted in an uncontrolled loss of altitude and subsequent impact with the ground.

Frequently Asked Questions About Iran Air Flight 277

What type of aircraft was Iran Air Flight 277?

Iran Air Flight 277 was a Boeing 727-200Adv. The Boeing 727 is a narrow-body trijet (three-engine jet airliner) that was very popular for short-to-medium range flights, known for its distinctive T-tail and rear-mounted engines.

What were the primary causes of the Iran Air Flight 277 crash?

The official investigation determined that the crash was primarily caused by severe icing conditions affecting the aircraft's engines and airframe, compounded by incorrect engine management procedures implemented by the flight crew. These factors ultimately led to a double engine flame-out and loss of control.

Where did Iran Air Flight 277 crash?

The aircraft crashed after aborting its approach to Urmia Airport (OMH) in Urmia, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. The region is known for its cold, snowy winters, which contributed to the adverse weather conditions on the day of the accident.

How many fatalities resulted from the Iran Air Flight 277 accident?

Out of 105 people on board, 78 tragically died in the crash, while 27 survived with injuries.

What is an "engine flame-out" and why is it dangerous?

An engine flame-out occurs when the flame in a jet engine's combustor is extinguished, causing a complete loss of thrust from that engine. In conditions like severe icing, ice ingestion can disrupt airflow into the engine, leading to compressor stalls or flame-outs. A "double engine flame-out" on a trijet like the Boeing 727 significantly reduces available power, making recovery extremely challenging, especially at low altitudes during an aborted landing.